Q:

Hi Dr. M,

My question is this.  I currently work with a Chiropractor and we opening a second office, 
using the name he has established for the past 10 years.  All funding will be provided by 
me, all profits will go to me.  We are trying to figure out what it's worth to him, to allow 
me to use the name.  He has been collecting around $33,000.00 a month for the past 7 
years, all cash practice.  In building my practice (within his) for the past 2 years, I have
found him to have an excellent reputation which has opened several doors, and provided 
numerous patients. Also since I will be moving about 30 minutes away, we are trying to 
figure on how to allow patients to transfer to one another, perhaps a modest
transfer fee $75.

A:

You are opening a new office and wish to share the same name .. great. How much is a 
name worth? I don't think his office name is a household word or a trademark like Coca-
Cola therefore I think .. if you wish to use the name .. he should be pleased to let you have 
it for free. Also .. unless he has a trademark he has no hold on the name. Do you know 
how many Family Chiropractic Centers there are in Atlanta? I am one of many and I have 
no idea who are in the others. So my answer to your first question is simply .. pay nothing 
for a name .. it is who is in the clinic that is worth something. 

Also .. there should not be any transfer fee unless you wish to be generous and offer 
something. Those that follow you would have anyway .. a clinic has no control over the 
patients and you wouldn't be stealing .. they wish to follow you.

I hope this helps and good luck

Have a Great Day

Dr. M